Parking
on highways | Parking
on highways is prohibited. |
Headlights | Motorists must use headlights from sunset to sunrise; when light conditions restrict visibility to 400
feet or less; or when using windshield wipers during inclement weather. |
Right
turns on red
| Right turns at a red light are permitted after a complete
stop unless otherwise posted. Left turns on red are not permitted.
|
Traffic
accidents
| Crashes involving death, personal injury, or
property damage of $1,000 or more must be reported to the nearest law
enforcement officer or agency.
Failure to report could result in prosecution and/or
driver license suspension. |
Fender Bender Law
| Motorists must move their vehicle to the shoulder
of the road following minor, non-injury wrecks to help keep traffic moving and
reduce the likelihood of secondary wrecks. Failure to do so could result in a $110 fine and
court costs. |
Move
Over Law
| This law requires motorists to move over a lane or slow down considerably when approaching emergency vehicles (including NCDOT vehicles) stopped on the side of the road with lights flashing. Failure to do so could result in a $250 fine, and violators could also face misdemeanor or felony charges, if someone is injured or property is damaged.
|
Quick
Clearance Law | If
a law enforcement officer and an NCDOT representative concur, a parked, standing or disabled vehicle can be moved off
the roadway by any means necessary if it poses a safety concern.
|
Littering | Disposing of litter on public or private property, except by an individual who owns the property, is illegal. Violators could face a fine of up to $200 and community service.
Related: |
|
Cellphone use
| Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a mobile
phone or technology associated with a mobile phone while driving except in
emergencies or when talking to a parent or spouse. Violators pay a $25 fine but receive no driver license points, insurance surcharge or
court costs. |
Texting
| Drivers
are prohibited from reading or writing text messages or emails while the
vehicle is moving. Violators are subject to a $100 fine and court costs.
|
Helmet
law | Helmets meeting federal standards are required when riding a motorcycle or moped. Children under 16 must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Related: |
Seat
belts and safety seats | All occupants of a vehicle must wear a seat belt. Front-seat passengers who violate the law are fined $25. Back-seat passengers are fined $10.
Children under age 8 who weigh less than 80 pounds must be secured in a safety seat while riding in a vehicle. Older children must transition to booster seats before graduating to an adult safety belt. Drivers who fail to properly secure children face $125 in fines and court costs, as well as a two-point penalty on their driving record. Related: |
Driving
while impaired |
Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration at or
greater than 0.08 percent are charged with driving while impaired. The minimum punishment is a fine of up to
$200 and a possible term of imprisonment ranging from 24 hours to 30 days. The maximum punishment is a fine of up
to $4,000 and a possible term of imprisonment ranging from 30 days to two
years. |